March 07, 2011

I had a couple little scraps left over from stiffened fabric projects, and after fiddling with them, I noticed they'd easily make tiny bows. Which I attached to paper clips because... I don't know why. These could work as bookmarks, on wedding invitations, Valentines, etc. Or attach the bows to hair clips for little girls or pencils for bridal shower games.

I used fabric scraps, stiffener, large paper clips, a scissors, an iron, twist ties (or wire), and a hot glue gun.

Form the longest strip into a loop, overlapping the ends generously. Then pinch down at the center to form a bow shape. The nifty thing about the stiffened fabric is that the edges won't fray, and it will keep its shape as you bend it around. If you don't like the bow you made, iron the fabric flat and start over.

Pinch the "tail" strip in the center the same way. Yank it around some and show it who's boss.

Then attach the bow to the tails using a piece of wire. I cut the green paper edges off twist ties I'd once pilfered from the grocery store. Worked great. Twist the wire tightly to secure it and clip off the excess.

Use the tiny remaining strip of fabric to attach the bow to the paper clip. Trim it as needed and wrap it around the bow and clip, and securing it with a bit of hot glue.

Oh! These are adorable. But please don't use them as bookmarks! If you'd like to damage your own books, I guess you could go for it. Just don't use these in library books or you just might end up paying for the damages.

Jessica- I've been caught! I do work in a library. And recently spent a good amount of time pulling paper clips out of a book. The patron was charged the replacement fee for the item. It was pretty mangled from all the bending.

But again- feel free to use them on your own books! I really do like them a lot!

Ah ha! Chelsie, I knew it! :) You'll be relieved to know that I'm way too impatient to use paper clips as bookmarks anyhow. Trying to feed the page into the paper clip slot is 3 seconds of my life I'll never get back. I'd rather fold the corner of the page over.

JUST KIDDING! I usually use a scrap of junk mail, a kleenex, or a brand new set of actual bookmarks I just got from a friend.

Thank you so much! Now I know what to do with the fish bowl full of scraps that I have. I love to read and use the local library for books. Now I will have plenty of bookmarks to use. I also like the idea of making ones on stiffin agent as one reader commented. I have everything right here on hand that I need to get started and a head start on Christmas gifts, planning on office sets for friends for Christmas this year, now can use fabric to cover pencils and not just paper. Thanks for all inspiration! I found you thru Craft magazine newsletter. You rock. joyfulgrandma

i made one last night and ditched my boring bookmark! i didn't have stiffener so i made it without it anyway, and it turned out soooo cute! it was quick, easy...instant gratification:) thanks for sharing!

Such a cute idea! These would be a perfect way to tie the bags of some of my homemade food gifts. FYI I've posted a link to this on my site atmhttp://homemadeforfriends.com/2013/11/29/holiday-gift-decorating/